Welcome to my workshop!
With Kerri from Roaring Stitches
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a Bristol based Mummy that loves anything crafty. We moved to Bristol when I was 5 months pregnant with my little girl 2 years ago and I love this city. I’ve recently started my business Roaring Stitches selling handcrafted hair and baby accessories made from felt, leather, fabric and crochet.
How and why did you get started with your craft?
I started crocheting when my daughter was small to keep my mind active whilst on maternity leave. Several hats and blankets later and I wanted to make something a little more fun, so I started playing with flower designs. I started crocheting flower headbands for my little girl. From there my love of mixed media infused with my imagination and I started playing around with different styles and textures until I developed the range that I have available today. I love working with the fantastic smell of leather, the softness of wool felt, and what girl doesn’t love glitter particularly glitter fabric.
My hairbows aren’t just for children though, our toddler headbands fit adults too which is great for when you’re wanting to quickly glam up an outfit. Our hairclips are great for keeping your hair off your face when out with the buggy too. Leather bows are a particular favourite among teenagers, adorning their high bun updos.
Describe your work space and a general day of working for you.
My work space is currently a desk in the corner of our spare bedroom, but I dream of the day I have a lovely craft summer house at the bottom of the garden. Everyday the sun comes around the front of the house where I work and it really lifts your mood and I’m definitely more creative on those days. As I don’t have a dedicated room for my craft I have to steal space where I can, my partner has made me dedicated storage for all my yarn above our wardrobe so every morning it’s the first thing I see.
I work full-time as an IT Consultant, so my general day starts by getting my toddler up and dressed, then we eat our breakfast together before taking her to the childminders. I then work my day-job, checking for any orders or enquiries on my lunchbreak. I pick my daughter up around 5pm and we follow the usual dinner/bedtime routine with the help from my partner. I then get to do all things crafty from around 8pm until midnight, completing orders and creating new designs.
What’s your favourite item you have made or to make?
My favourite item has to be my oversized chunky glitter bows, they look fantastic in a half-up/half-down pony tail, or on a high bun. They’re made using non-shedding glitter fabric so you don’t end up with little flecks all over the place, but they make you feel like a complete Princess when you wear them.
What’s your favourite thing to do/place in Bristol?
We really enjoy going to the Kingfisher Cafe in Fishponds with our daughter for lunch at the weekend, they do a fantastic Sunday roast or all day breakfast. They also support local artists and crafters. If the weather is good my favourite thing to do though is to climb up Hanham Hills with my little family and see how far we can see.
If you could switch your discipline and be instantly good at another craft, what would you choose and why?
I’d love to be able to draw, I can doodle and love adult colouring books. But to be able to see something and instantly be able to draw it would be an amazing gift.
Where can we find you online?
You can find our Etsy shop at http://www.roaringstitches.etsy.com or find you can also find RoaringStitches on Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.
